EDIBLE CINEMA: A very plie-sing result with the experimental group’s latest ballet-themed dining and film experience

For those who have never heard about Edible Cinema, I encourage you to check it out.

The events, which run throughout the year, marry film and food together in a thoroughly unique way.

Each movie-goer is supplied with a tray of numbered mystery boxes before they enter the screening room.

These little pots contain a bite-sized tasting menu – both solid and liquid – tailored to specific moments in a movie.

A man in front the screen then instructs when each box should be cracked open.

Polly Betton, the London creative who masterminded the concept, presented her latest showing The Red Shoes this Sunday in collaboration with experimental chefs Blanch & Shock.

She admitted that showing such a niche film on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year probably wasn’t the wisest idea but none of us were complaining, with plenty of room to spread out in the retro-styled Curzon Mayfair cinema.

Polly was right, her latest film choice was niche, I had never heard of it neither had my friend, but we were pleasantly surprised by the charming 1948 ballet-inspired drama.

The story focuses on the character Vicky Page, an aspiring flame-haired ballerina torn between her dedication to dance and her desire to love.

There was little information about what food we would be getting prior to the performance, but when we were handed our tasting trays there was a menu included on top.

We kicked things off with a lovely welcome drink, which featured a light blend of Conker gin and Fentimans rose lemonade.

Then as the film began, the culinary treats had more of a correlation to what was unfolding before us.

For instance, in one scene an actor was seen eating a sandwich.

In our first pot we too received a sandwich, featuring a delicious mix of beer bread, cheddar and homemade chutney.

In another scene, there was a fairground-inspired ballet act, and we opened our pots to find an appropriately fun popcorn and pretzel assortment.

Overall, our tasting menu included four drinks, three savoury snacks and two sweet courses.

The ‘champagne and chatter’ concoction, featuring gin, ginger syrup, bitters and prosecco, was one of my favourite tipples and I also enjoyed the good old-fashioned cheese sandwich.

When the film finished everyone gave a rapturous applause.

It proved to be a glorious Sunday doing something thoroughly different in the city.

Edible Cinema certainly promises to satisfy all the senses!

To keep up to date with future productions or for private hire please visit: ediblecinema.co.uk